distractions – Fountain Magazine

2024 Essay Contest Shortlist

The Fountain — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 22:00:58 +0000

Countdown to the winners is around the corner! Here is the shortlist for Essay Contest 2024. We congratulate all the participants. Winners will be announced very soon. Please follow our announcements!

“My Home, My Stability” by Michaela Harhajova
“A Mosquito Meets a Memory” by Maggie Whelan-Curtin
“A Personal Cartography of Home” by Daniella Musimbi
“The Concept of Home: An Analysis of Its True Significance” by Mary Joy Tempra
“Is Home Really Just Brick and Mortar?” by Selman Uzun
“An Account of the Woods” by Allie Schick
“An Alphabet of Home” by Lisa-Anne Julien
“Call Me Kama’āina (Please)” by Madison Stevens
“Home Or Heaven” by Aditya Goel
“Shadows of Home” by Golf Greener
“Though Our Feet Wander, Our Hearts Are Bound to Return” by Hannah Hazzard
“Footsteps of Belonging Tracing the Path to Home” by Hale Hayta
“Beyond Home: The Spirit of Sydney” by Brianna Head
“The Itch to Change” by Keith Herron
“The Eviction of Innocence” by Kinzie Asmus-Kim
“Home by Heart” by Brian Warner
“Home Is Where the Poles Meet” by Kyra Swantkowski
“Home Is Kobayashi Issa’s Cherry Blossoms” by Moon Taha Teen Nikita
“Home Is Tucked Under the Smiling Sunflower Seeds” by Azra Ozturk
“Home Is Dinner Every Night” by Marie Vibbert
“How To Build a Home From a Toolkit and a Sourdough Starter” by Pimvarin Srihawan
“Nest on the Sea, or Art” by Jaeyong Park
“The Cartography of the Heart: Where Home Isn’t a Place, But a Night Sky” by Yamini Ramesh
“The Path to Eternal Home: From Temporary Shelters to Lasting Peace” by Zeynep Orhan
“The Places We Belong To” by Red Thunder
“The Stars Will Not Collide” by Phelelani Makhanya
“Welcome to a Home Built in Fleeting Glamourized Desperation” by Yvette Rejuso
“A House Called Home: A Place, a Concept, a Dream, a Memory” by Vaishnavi P
“A Sense of Belonging” by Neth Ak
“Home: The Paradise of Nature” by Meerab Nofal
“Home: Where Resilience Develops and Mission Flourishes” by Ali Suleiman

The Fountain Essay Contest 2024

The Fountain — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:05:36 +0000

“Home” holds a special place in our lives. A large, luxurious mansion or a small, decrepit place, our homes are hard to replace with anything. Our earliest memories form inside its walls; we utter our first words and take our first steps there. Does everyone feel the same about home? Is it where you were born or where you earn your bread? Is home a physical place? In a world that moves faster than ever and is confined to small screens, how do perceptions about “home” change? Where is home for people who are forced to leave their homes? Where is your home?

Submissions to be posted: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024
Deadline for submissions: June 30, 2024
Winners to be announced September 30, 2024
Contest open to all writers worldwide
Ideal word count to be between 1,500 and 2,500
For submissions: CLICK TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY

Cash prizes

1st Place – $1,000
2nd Place – $500
3rd Place – $300
Two Honorable Mentions – $150 each

THEME

What qualifies a good essay?

An essay that you feel your heart rests more comfortably on. The more concise an essay, the more acceptable it is. Its authenticity and uniqueness, and how elaborately you put your theme into words so that others are inspired from it.

REFERENCES

Do we have to include references, bibliography, notes, etc. as in an academic journal?

The Fountain is not a journal. Thus, we do not expect a full scale reference list for all the information you provide. But, we encourage contributors to provide at least a reasonable number of references (not more than four or five) especially for the arguments borrowed from other sources, as it would make your work more reliable. If the kind of information you provide needs citation, please provide it; but essays with lengthy references are not preferred. Some reference and recommendations for further reading may help readers who are interested in the essay. Accuracy of data is expected in essays in which information provided needs sourcing. An essay based on personal experience does not require citation, and it is equally acceptable.

WORD COUNT

Does the word count limit include the bibliography or just the essay itself?

The Fountain is not a full-scale academic journal, so we expect authors to keep references to a maximum of four or five. Notes can be more. References and notes do not make a big change in word count which is advised to be between 1,500 and 2,500. A range is always necessary to be able to have an objective measure in terms of size.

STYLE

What kind of writing style do you expect? Can we use informal phrases? Is this essay supposed to be a personal opinion piece, or more of a scholarly supported article?

In writing style, we mainly seek consistency. We prefer the Chicago Manual of Style, but if you are more familiar with another style, that is also acceptable. Some informal usage can be OK in a certain essay, but not in another. It is basically the author’s call.

Would an essay in the short story genre qualify for the contest?

As long as your theme is skillfully woven through its structure, and if it upholds The Fountain’s values and principles, yes.

PUBLISHING

Are you going to publish submitted essays anywhere?

We might publish submissions in The Fountain, both the print and web editions, even if the essays did not win any prize. By submitting your essay to this contest, you agree that you give permission to The Fountain to publish it in any medium.

As the copyright holders before published, the authors have the right to submit their work elsewhere on condition that they notify The Fountain in advance.

NUMBER OF ENTRY

Can I submit more than one essay?

No. One entry per person.

DISQUALIFICATION

What makes an essay disqualified?

Offensive and devotional essays — particularly essays that emphasize superiority of a specific worldview or derogating a specific worldview—will be disqualified. Essays that “propagate” a certain spiritual order, a religious denomination, a spiritual leader, or a political activist, etc. in a way that subordinates all other faiths and traditions are considered devotional and will be disqualified.
Title is missing – Do not forget to put a title. Titles are important for readers and reviewers to see what lies in the center of your message. Missing title will disqualify your submission.
Submissions already published elsewhere are not accepted.

EVALUATION

Who will determine the winners? Can you explain more specifically what you are looking for in a winner?

The winners will be determined by our board who will decide according to the literary effectiveness of the essay in reflecting the philosophy behind the motto, richness in content, and authenticity.

All submitted essays will be evaluated using the following criteria.

Relevance to the contest theme (40 points)
Innovation & creativity (30 points)
Writing style and structure (30 points)

SUBMISSION

How am I going to submit my essay?

For submissions: CLICK TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY

DEADLINE

When is the last day for submissions?

June 30, 2024

ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible to participate in this contest?

There is no age limit or a condition to fulfill for entry. The contest is open to all who want to share his or her ideas with us.

Unplugging the Mind: Reclaiming Focus in the Age of Distractions

The Fountain — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:05 +0000

Have you ever found yourself lost in the mesmerizing abyss of social media, only to realize hours have slipped away? Or perhaps you’ve struggled to complete a task, constantly succumbing to the allure of notifications and buzzing smartphones. In our rapidly evolving and interconnected world, distractions have become an integral part of our daily lives. They have transitioned from being occasional disruptions to becoming the prevailing norm. We find ourselves continuously besieged by a plethora of stimuli, each clamoring for our attention and diverting us from what is truly significant. However, take solace, for within the realm of psychology lies the solution to tapping into our innate abilities for unwavering concentration. To understand this solution, it’s crucial to explore the intricacies of cognitive psychology concerning the phenomenon of attentional diversion.

At its essence, distraction can be seen as the disturbance of our attention—a formidable obstacle that redirects our mental energy away from the current undertaking. In a world saturated with abundant information and ubiquitous technology, distractions have proliferated like blooming flowers in spring. We find ourselves captivated by the enticing allure of social media notifications, the ever-present temptation of staying constantly connected, and the desire to engage in multiple tasks simultaneously, all of which fracture our ability to concentrate. But why do we struggle so fiercely to resist these distractions? To unravel this mystery, we must delve into the intricate mechanisms of our cognitive processes.

The psychology of distraction

Our brains are remarkably adaptable, capable of both focused attention and rapid task-switching. However, engaging in multitasking or succumbing to distractions comes at a cost. Think of your mind as a beautiful garden, nurtured by the soil of attention and concentration. When tended to with care, it flourishes with vibrant thoughts, deep insights, and meaningful connections. However, when bombarded with distractions, it becomes an overgrown thicket, choked with the weeds of scattered thoughts and fragmented focus. The incessant notifications, the blinking screens, and the constant barrage of information are the assailants that threaten the serenity of our mental landscapes.

The fallacy of multitasking

The human inclination to derive satisfaction from our proficiency at multitasking, considering it an extraordinary capability facilitating enhanced productivity within limited time, is a common practice. Nonetheless, scholarly investigations put forth a compelling argument, indicating that multitasking is merely an illusory phenomenon, as our cognitive architecture does not possess the inherent capacity to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Neuroscientist Earl Miller supports this notion, affirming that the intricate neural circuitry within our brains is not optimally configured to engage in seamless multitasking; rather, what we perceive as concurrent task execution is, in reality, a swift transition from one task to another. This constant shifting engenders a cognitive burden, detrimentally influencing our capacity to engage in profound concentration on any given task.

The pull of external distractions

Our brains have limited cognitive resources, and dividing our attention between multiple stimuli taxes these resources, leaving us with reduced cognitive capacity for each task. One of the primary contributors to distraction is our innate need for novelty. Embedded within the intricate neural framework of our brains lies an inherent predisposition to actively pursue novel and stimulating stimuli—a trait that has played a pivotal role in our existence. Regrettably, in the context of the contemporary world, this innate propensity becomes susceptible to manipulation and exploitation due to the ceaseless influx of information, subsequently entangling us in the quagmire of perpetual distraction.

Social media platforms and other attention-grabbing technologies exploit these innate tendencies, offering a constant stream of novel content and instantaneous feedback. They hijack our attention spans by triggering a primal urge for information and social validation. As we fall deeper into the rabbit hole of distraction, our ability to focus wanes, and our overall productivity suffers.

Moreover, the omnipresence of digital devices and their associated notifications trigger what psychologists call “intermittent reinforcement.” Every ping, buzz, or vibration promises a potential reward, triggering a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, creating a positive reinforcement loop that encourages future indulgence in distractions. This intermittent reinforcement strengthens the habit of constantly checking our devices, making it increasingly difficult to resist distractions.

The battle within: internal distractions

In the intricate landscape of human cognition, it is imperative to recognize that the sway of external distractions, while undoubtedly substantial, should not overshadow the profound impact of internal distractions that emanate from the depths of our own consciousness. It is within these recesses that our minds embark on whimsical voyages, meandering along the convoluted pathways of daydreams, anxieties, and tangential ruminations. This intriguing phenomenon, widely acknowledged as mind-wandering, stands as an inherent function of our cerebral apparatus, yet its unbridled manifestation proves detrimental to our capacity for sustained focus.

In the relentless pursuit of understanding this enigmatic realm of cognitive detours, a compelling investigation undertaken by the eminent psychologists Matthew Killingsworth and Daniel Gilbert revealed an intriguing facet of our mental terrain. Their seminal study unearthed that an astonishing 47% of our waking hours is consumed by the idiosyncratic activity of mind-wandering. Astonishingly, irrespective of the specific task at hand, the prevalence of discontentment exhibited an intimate correlation with the occurrence of such mental excursions.

Understanding the cognitive processes involved

In order to reclaim our cognitive focus and delve deeper into the intricacies of our mental processes, it is imperative to comprehend the underlying mechanisms governing both distraction and attention. It is crucial to acknowledge that attention is a finite resource within our cognitive framework, prompting our brains to employ the mechanism of selective attention as a means to efficiently filter and process information. However, the advent of distractions introduces a serious challenge, as they possess the potential to divert this invaluable resource away from our intended tasks.

Drawing upon the Stroop effect, a renowned and timeless psychological experiment, we can shed further light on the formidable hurdles encountered in the pursuit of sustained concentration. This experimental paradigm involves the presentation of color names printed in ink colors that are incongruent with the semantic meaning of the word (e.g., the word “red” written in blue ink). Astonishingly, participants consistently exhibit significant delays in response time and an increased susceptibility to errors when confronted with such incongruity between the word and the ink color. This striking phenomenon serves to expose the disruptive nature of distractions, as they unabashedly interfere with the delicate cognitive processes at play, thereby hampering our ability to maintain a focused state of mind on the designated task.

Top of Form

Extensive investigations in the field of neuroscience have unveiled that distraction prompts the activation of a neural network known as the default mode network (DMN) within our cerebral framework. The DMN assumes responsibility for facilitating an array of cognitive processes, including mind-wandering, daydreaming, and engendering self-referential thoughts. Undoubtedly, these mental activities play an integral role in fostering creativity and introspection, bestowing upon us a profound capacity for imaginative ideation and insightful contemplation. Nevertheless, when these cognitive functions encroach upon the domain of focused tasks, their unwelcome intrusion can inflict a substantial detriment upon our productivity and efficacy.

To circumvent this predicament, it becomes important to discern the underlying dynamics at play and, armed with such awareness, actively channel our attention away from the snares of the default mode network. By consciously redirecting our mental faculties, we can disentangle ourselves from the captivating allure of mind-wandering and self-referential ruminations, thus fostering a steadfast resolve to remain unwaveringly focused on the immediate task at hand.

Reclaiming focus

Unplugging our cognitive faculties from the relentless onslaught of diversions presents a daunting endeavor, yet it remains within the realm of achievability. It necessitates a purposeful and cognizant exertion to fashion an atmosphere that fosters concentration. Here are a handful of pragmatic recommendations to embark upon this pursuit:

Mindful cognizance: Cultivating a state of mindful cognizance is of paramount importance at discerning the advent of distractions. By conscientiously attending to our ruminations and emotions, we can ascertain the stimuli that divert us from our intended course and subsequently re-establish mastery over our focal capacities.
Optimization of the surrounding environment: The establishment of an environment that fosters unwavering concentration is also of paramount significance. When trying to focus, we should attenuate the potential disruptions by deactivating notifications, allocating distinct areas exclusively for undisturbed work, and implementing temporal segments devoted entirely to consequential undertakings.
Digital detox: Engaging in periodic disconnection from the realm of online existence can bestow remarkable benefits upon our attention spans. Assign specific intervals during the course of a day or week for a deliberate digital respite, wherein you conscientiously detach yourself from technological devices and immerse yourself in pursuits that cultivate profound concentration and invigoration.
Cognitive segmentation: Fragmenting complex endeavors into more manageable and bite-sized components is an effective strategy to assuage the difficulty of extensive undertakings. By establishing explicit objectives and fixating solely on one segment at a time, we augment our cognitive aptitude to concentrate, concurrently diminishing the allure of divergences.
Conscious technological engagement: Rather than indulging in a mindless perusal of social media platforms, approach the realm of technology with deliberation and purpose. Erect boundaries on its utilization, exercise discernment in selecting which engagements to partake in, and exhibit mindfulness in relation to the content consumed. Opt for quality over quantity and harness technology as a facilitative instrument that elevates productivity, rather than allowing it to incessantly permeate as an incessant fount of distraction.

In the face of an era inundated with ceaseless distractions, the reclamation of our focus emerges as an act of rebellion—an intentional decision to nurture our cognitive faculties and carve out room for profound endeavors and genuine human connections. Armed with insights into the psychology of distraction—and armed with effective strategies to counteract its influence—we are poised to forge a path toward a harmonious and gratifying existence.

Together, let us embark upon this transformative journey, liberating our minds from the tumultuous current of diversions and rediscovering the exhilaration of undivided attention. In the tranquil realm of focused presence, we unveil the boundless potential for personal growth, unbridled creative ingenuity, and an enriched understanding of both ourselves and the intricate tapestry of the world that surrounds us.

As we forge ahead, may we stand united in our resolve to unplug, reinvigorated by the knowledge that the pursuit of a focused life is not only attainable but essential to our well-being and fulfilment. Let us embrace this rebellion against distraction, nurturing a balanced and purposeful existence that celebrates the innate capacity of our minds to explore, create, and connect in ways that transcend the limitations imposed by the clamor of the modern age.

References

Hambrick, D. Z., Oswald, F. L., Altmann, E. M., Meinz, E. J., Gobet, F., & Campitelli, G. (2014). Deliberate practice: Is that all it takes to become an expert? Intelligence, 45, 34-45.
Killingsworth, M. A., & Gilbert, D. T. (2010). A wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Science, 330(6006), 932-932.
Miller, E. K. (2013). The prefrontal cortex and cognitive control. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 1, 1-12.
Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.
Rosen, L. D., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2013). Facebook and texting made me do it: Media-induced task-switching while studying. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(3), 948-958.

Eco-friendly “Sorting-out-Your-Distractions” System

The Fountain — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:04 +0000

Before I started writing this, the distractions were standing in line to hit me in the face. I needed someplace quiet to reflect and write. Since I was far away from my home, a tourist in a city in the rural part of Denmark, I thought of a café, but all the conversations would distract me. So, I chose the best imaginable place:

A library.

It was spacious and beautiful. Besides the books arranged in the best order, it was also decorated with inspiring places to sit and relax. All the cozy places were colorful reflection spots designed in different shapes, from giant wide staircases to loveseats to big sitting chairs. It was a place that felt good.

Apparently, three different kindergartens in the city shared my opinion and admiration of the place. As I unfolded my computer, kids were running around, enjoying themselves in the beautiful reflection spots with soft pillows they threw around. It was an adventurous playground for them. I sat a bit away from them and tried to get some writing done.

Ten minutes later, three high school guys came in. Not to study but to enjoy a place to eat lunch while speaking loudly and crumpling their food paper. Suddenly the air alarm from World War 2 started. The one they used to warn people that they had to run to the protection rooms immediately. They test it once every year to see if it still works, and lucky me, it happened to be that very day. So there I was with a shattered illusion of a quiet library.

After considering all possible distractions, I’ve narrowed them down to five categories. Imagine them as if you’re sorting your garbage. You are creating an eco-friendly system. Next time you meet a distraction, you know precisely which trash bin you must throw it in. But first, one must understand what key distractions are so that they can be managed and overcome to generate the best performance. If you get familiar with your distractions and know which box they belong to, fighting them is easier.

Here are my five categories of distractions:

Clear outside distractions;
Outside distractions which you can ignore or choose to be interrupted by;
Bad planning distractions;
Procrastination distractions, made by you alone; and
The good distractions, the ones you need.

Let’s dive into them and get to know them:

Clear outside distractions

This is a distraction you can’t do anything about except move away from it or stay and cope with it. The problem in the library was an apparent outside distraction—i.e., when something from the outside you have no control over gets in the way. Other examples of clear outside distractions are an unexpected bit of road work on your chosen route or, in the summer, when you find the perfect spot to tan and a crowd of mosquitos are there too. If you know the outside distractions, you have a simple choice: Should I move away from this or accept the distraction? You must know when to categorize this as a “nothing-I-can-do-about-it distraction” and move away if possible. The sooner you realize the distraction belongs in this category, the less annoyed you will get. As for me, I just moved away from the library and found another day and place to write.

Outside distractions which you can ignore or choose to be interrupted by

This is the distraction your phone makes, such as notifications, text messages, and even calls. This is when people around you need your opinion or action, and you can choose to let them distract right now or say “later.” This when you’re on a diet and get distracted by the cake in the office. This is the one I experienced in the supermarket yesterday (and probably do every day): the temptation to buy something you don’t need, but it was on sale. However, yesterday it was different because I fought it. If I had just grabbed the cheap item on sale, I wouldn’t even think of it as a distraction. It would all be subconsciously. However, because I’m in the process of focusing on the distractions, I’m aware of getting to know them. Distraction creates a lack of balance, and being grounded is the goal of combating distraction. Fighting it when it occurs is the first step towards a more grounded version of you.

Bad planning distractions

As I was coaching a CEO, he told me of a project that failed because of unforeseen incidents. His plan contained a particular deadline and a certain amount of money. Then it turned out he had been too optimistic about his project because of unforeseen occurrences.

“What kind of unforeseen things?” I asked.

“One employer was pregnant and had to go on parental leave a few months after the project started, another one quit, two colleagues were sick for a combined three weeks during the project, and one supplier went bankrupt, and I had to find another supplier during the process,” he said.

“These were not distractions,” I said. “It’s life. Having kids is common; people get sick and change jobs; and companies close daily. You’ve done lousy planning if you haven’t incorporated life into your plan. I know it sounds harsh, but all the above is something you must base your budget and deadline on.”

What are distractions, and what is just bad planning? Most people call their own lousy planning “distractions” or “unforeseen events.” Even you and I do it with our finances. “This month, there have been so many unforeseen incidents. Two birthdays, the kid had to go to a school camp, and we had to buy a new dishwasher.” Sound familiar? It does to me. I have been a challenging planner, too. However, I’ve concluded that neither my dishwasher nor my fridge will last forever, and one day, even though I dread just writing it, I’ll have to change the roof too. Oh, it’s going to cost me. So, let’s be better at including life in our personal or work planning. Then you’re on top of it, and it doesn’t hit you as a distraction.

Procrastination distractions, made by you alone

Let’s just be honest: this is the category where you can put most of your daily distractions. I’ll be the first one to admit that it’s true for me. These distractions are so hard to spot because we do them subconsciously. For example, while working, it pops into your head that you need to make an appointment at the hairdresser, and you do so. Or while you’re enjoying playing with your kids, you grab the phone, not because it rings but to check your Instagram. And by the way, social media is filled with specially designed commercials just for you, so without even noticing it, you’ve spent half an hour on this while you could have been present with your kids. I’ve come further by noticing my distractions, the ones I do daily. Try to notice them just for one day. To me, my yesterday’s distractions looked like this:

Going out to sit in the sun for 20 minutes while I was supposed to work;
Scrolling through social media for about an hour;
Looking for inspiration for a new bathroom and sofa, even though I will keep both the same for at least the next six months; and
At least ten “procrastination ideas” while working.

Try to be aware every day. The more you pay attention to today, the more focused you’ll stay tomorrow.

The good distractions, the ones you need:

Let’s end with the best part: distractions aren’t only negative.

As I sat and worked, a neighbor came over and said, “We need to go for a walk now.” (Yes, I live in the countryside, and that’s how we do here) During the walk, she inspired me to take my work two levels higher.
While writing on a big project, my friend called and said he wanted to drag me out for lunch. At lunch, I felt like ordering something I had never tried before, and it turned out to become a favorite recipe I later used to surprise friends at the next birthday party.
When you’re caught up in your negative energy (sorrow or complaining), and your spouse puts on some good music and starts dancing with you—this can also be a good distraction.
If you’re in the office working hard on a hot summer day, suddenly, the boss comes in with ice cream for everyone. I’m lucky to have tried this distraction often.

So, let’s embrace those distractions. They bring us to a higher energy level or inspire us to do something better.

After we’ve looked at the five categories of distractions, we must look somewhere else now: in the mirror. To do the eco-friendly “sorting out the distractions trash,” you need a robust character—focused and grounded. Unfortunately, none of us can be like that all the time. However, I hope you are curious and ready to take in and try this knowledge.

Let’s incorporate the eco-friendly “sorting out the distractions trash.”

The first step is to be aware of them since most distractions happen subconsciously.
With awareness, you throw them in the box they belong in.
You follow up by fighting some distractions.

Then you’re on the right track to a more grounded version of yourself. Afterward, you can set another goal to notice which ones you conquered. That’s motivating, and it has helped me a lot.

Let’s meet the world with a deeper grounding and more awareness.

Mette Dencker is a former Member of the Danish Parliament for 11 years, coach, and speaker.

2023 Essay Contest Shortlist

The Fountain — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:00:58 +0000

Countdown to the winners is around the corner! Here is the shortlist. Winners will be announced very soon. Please follow our announcements!

“Distraction Timed,” by Allison Hope
“Unplugging the Mind: Reclaiming Focus in the Age of Distractions,” by Mohammad Abul Mufazzal
“Focus for Life,” Stephanie Neverdowski
“How Can We Maintain Focus in a Society Built for Distraction?” by Elizabeth J. Peterson
“What Is Distraction?” By Colm O’Shea
“Focused We Toil, Distracted We Dream,” by William Godwin
“Flux and Fury,” by Temitope Ajao
“Eco-friendly “sorting out your distractions” system,” by Mette Dencker
“Interacting with Self to Extract Distractions From the Contract,” by Bilal Sarimeseli
“Navigating the Seas of Distraction,” by Nesibe Can
“Scale of Vital Considerations,” by Hannah Onoguwe
“Setting Priorities,” by Philip Umbrino
“Redefining Distraction: Taking Ownership of Your Autonomy,” by Chelsea Emerick
“A Silent Ticking Time Bomb,” by Keneth Erfelua
“25 Pomodoro Minutes in a Digital World,” by Katharin Garland
“A Focused Mind,” by Donavon Lewis
“A Trip to the Zoo,” by Zulma Suro
“How to Avoid Losing Creative Momentum to Utter Distraction,” by Cynthia Gallaher

The Fountain Essay Contest 2023

The Fountain — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 04:20:07 +0000

While you are reading this announcement in the center of your screen, a Whatsapp message from your spouse pops up in the right corner – she reminds you of the winter storm forecast for later today. “Finally,” you think, “this has been long awaited.” Rolling your mouse back, you notice on the left-hand side of the screen an email notification; it is from your manager and you cannot ignore it – he is expecting a report by tomorrow morning. You try to move your eyes back to this announcement but a text message from your neighbor drags you to your phone – he is asking what to do about the skyrocketing property tax appraisals. As your brain inadvertently starts doing calculations with the new rates you have already forgotten what announcement you were reading about in the first place.

The above scenario sounds very familiar, doesn’t it? It happens every day to all of us. We are constantly bombarded with breaking news, online notifications, unscheduled visits, calls, and so on. This comes with a huge toll: our productivity declines, we miss deadlines, we feel concerned and even depressed because of what we just heard happened in one remote corner of the world. What is more, we cannot even make much sense of our lives in that hustle and bustle; we fail to contemplate properly in order to focus on finding answers to the real questions that bother us all.

What are your distractions? How do you cope with them? How do you remain focused on what really matters? How do you find meaning in life and move forward on a straight path?

Submissions to be posted: March 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023
Deadline for submissions: May 31, 2023
Contest open to all writers worldwide
Ideal word count to be between 1,500 and 2,500
For submissions: CLICK TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY

Cash prizes

1st Place – $1,000
2nd Place – $500
3rd Place – $300
Two Honorable Mentions – $150 each

Frequently Asked Questions

THEME
REFERENCES
WORD COUNT
STYLE
PUBLISHING
NUMBER OF ENTRY
DISQUALIFICATION
EVALUATION
SUBMISSION
DEADLINE
ELIGIBILITY

THEME

What qualifies a good essay?

REFERENCES

Do we have to include references, bibliography, notes, etc. as in an academic journal?

WORD COUNT

Does the word count limit include the bibliography or just the essay itself?

STYLE

What kind of writing style do you expect? Can we use informal phrases? Is this essay supposed to be a personal opinion piece, or more of a scholarly supported article?

Would an essay in the short story genre qualify for the contest?

As long as your theme is skillfully woven through its structure, and if it upholds The Fountain’s values and principles, yes.

PUBLISHING

Are you going to publish submitted essays anywhere?

As the copyright holders before published, the authors have the right to submit their work elsewhere on condition that they notify The Fountain in advance.

NUMBER OF ENTRY

Can I submit more than one essay?

No. One entry per person.

DISQUALIFICATION

What makes an essay disqualified?

Offensive and devotional essays — particularly essays that emphasize superiority of a specific worldview or derogating a specific worldview—will be disqualified. Essays that “propagate” a certain spiritual order, a religious denomination, a spiritual leader, or a political activist, etc. in a way that subordinates all other faiths and traditions are considered devotional and will be disqualified.
Title is missing – Do not forget to put a title. Titles are important for readers and reviewers to see what lies in the center of your message. Missing title will disqualify your submission.
Submissions already published elsewhere are not accepted.

EVALUATION

Who will determine the winners? Can you explain more specifically what you are looking for in a winner?

The winners will be determined by our board who will decide according to the literary effectiveness of the essay in reflecting the philosophy behind the motto, richness in content, and authenticity.

All submitted essays will be evaluated using the following criteria.

Relevance to the contest theme (40 points)
Innovation & creativity (30 points)
Writing style and structure (30 points)

SUBMISSION

How am I going to submit my essay?

For submissions: CLICK TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY

DEADLINE

When is the last day for submissions?

May 31, 2023

ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible to participate in this contest?

There is no age limit or a condition to fulfill for entry. The contest is open to all who want to share his or her ideas with us.

Rise Up

Louima Cunningham — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Rise up, valiant one, stop sleeping!

Rise up, because my heart is lamenting…

During the days having passed without you,

I went back over the yesterdays,

Grieving all the while, and saddened

Since you had deserted your country.

O my valiant one, appear now!

Appear, for we are depressed.

Our hearts come into our mouths;

Our last words are on our lips…

The people need your smile,

And we’re thirsty for your zeal.

No more strength is left to us:

We, a multitude of orphans,

Are pushed to and fro,

And detained along the way…

Wasting time in distractions,

We cannot bear anything extra…

You appear in dreams every night,

You are in words and in hearts…

This is so the whole life long:

Come to make your influence felt,

Have some pity upon us, please:

We go down on our bended knees…

Rise Up, O Valiant One

The Fountain — Thu, 01 Apr 1993 00:00:00 +0000